You can visit Banff National Park a hundred times and still be gobsmacked by the sight of the snow-covered Rockies set against an indigo sky. But the view is just part of the package when it comes to Banff’s Big Three. Unspoiled by the development that typically surrounds ski areas, Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise offer skiers and boarders what they want most: that deep, smooth, dry snow known as champagne powder, spread over out long runs and countless glades. Anyone coming to the area for the first time should check out the Club Ski Program, a three-day lesson that includes tours and lessons at all three resorts.

Lake Louise Ski Area and Mountain Resort

Opening Date: Nov. 9

Claims to Fame: It’s big and beautiful. With 4,200 acres spread out over four mountains, Lake Louise is one of the largest resorts in North America. The layout across several mountain faces makes it possible, most days, to follow the sun’s path all day long.

What’s New: Always one of the best ski deals around, the Louise Plus Card grew this year. It now covers four major resorts – Lake Louise, Castle Mountain, Revelstoke and Panorama – and cardholders earn discounts at hotels and eateries throughout Banff. On-hill, the resort added to their snow-making fleet and information technologies. They’ll be opening a tube park this winter for the first time, adding two new surface carpets and offering more snowshoe and cross-country ski tours. Also new this year, Lake Louise is selling a Parents’ Shared Pass for $1,549 this year. Parents can trade off between babysitting and swooshing down the mountain.

Insider Tips: Want a great run for green skiers? Check out Pinecone Way. The run has a gentle slope with little jumps and short alleyways off to the side. It may be the most fun green run in the region. Expert skiers looking for fresh tracks should head toward the old Olympic top lift shack. Sidestep about a dozen steps and, instead of dropping into the bowl, continue on a short traverse into Kernahan’s Folly. For a luxurious mid-day fuel up, check out Sawyer’s Nook in the 75-year-old Temple Lodge. You can’t go wrong with any of their burgers.

Claims to Fame: With its first runs open on Oct. 25, Mount Norquay was the first ski hill in Canada to open this year. That continues a long tradition of first opening days. In fact, Mount Norquay was the first ski resort in the Canadian Rockies, with its first ski runs cut in 1926. Today, it’s the only hill in the region to offer hourly ski rates, starting at $41 for two hours for an adult.

What’s New: Mount Norquay installed a loading conveyor on the Spirit Chairlift, making it safer and faster. The popular snow tube park – the first of its kind in Banff – has doubled in size this year.

Insider Tips: Your best bet for fresh snow is steep Gun Run, just right of the North American chair. For boarders, the World Snowboard Guide called the blue runs off Mystic Chair “the best boarding area” on the mountain. Don’t miss out on the Lone Pine Pub, with its old ski photos of the area.

Claims to Fame: Year after year, this is where you’ll find the longest ski season in North America, running from November until the end of May. Because of its location on the Continental Divide, the resort spreads into both B.C. and Alberta – making it possible to ski in two provinces in one day. It’s too early to predict what the 2012-2013 season will bring but, so far, things are off to a good start at Sunshine Village. The resort was the recipient of abundant early snowfall with an opening day base of 92 centimetres.

What’s New: They’ve ramped up their terrain park this year, adding new rails, a bridge and other features. Later in the season, the resort will launch a loading conveyor at the Wawa Quad, making it the first loading conveyor in Western Canada. This should shorten lift lines. Several of the on-hill eateries underwent upgrades and renovations. For skiers and boarders in search of a quick lunch, check out the new creperie at the Java Lift Coffee Bar.

Insider Tips: Steal the best tracks of the day by hitting Goat’s Eye early in the morning and head up higher as the day goes on. Need relief for sore legs? Banff’s only ski-in, ski-out hotel, Sunshine Mountain Lodge at the village base, can lay claim to Canada’s best hot tub, according to National Geographic.

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